This is something fairly interesting. The Volkswagen Group is taking over BlackBerry's European research and development centre in Bochum (Germany). What does this tell me?
Well, it tells me that VW Group wants to expand their reach into the vehicle connectivity and infotainment sector of the automotive industry. This is a good thing as everything is not related to the smartphones we use in our lives and how it connects to our car is now supposedly a big deal to all auto manufacturers. Note Apple's latest foray into most cars with its CarPlay systems which you can now find in some Audi (part of the VW Group) and Mercedes Benz vehicles.
The second thing that it tells me is that Blackberry is steadily losing its market share and that selling off parts of its research and development divisions isn't a good sign to the company. Things do not look so bright for Blackberry unless they find a new niche market soon. Remember that just a few years ago everyone was on Blackberries and everyone used its BB Messenger services. These days no one uses their phones but only BBM which now caters for multiple platforms. How times have changed.
PRESS RELEASE
Volkswagen broadens its expertise in the field of connectivity • Volkswagen Infotainment GmbH founded in Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg, 1 July 2014 – The Volkswagen Group is taking over BlackBerry's European research and development centre in Bochum (Germany). With the newly founded Volkswagen Infotainment GmbH, the Wolfsburg-based automotive group is further expanding its expertise and capabilities in the field of vehicle connectivity. With its objective of interlinking vehicles and the surrounding world, the field of 'connectivity' forms a focal point of research and development within the Volkswagen Group that has seen rapid growth in recent years. New strategies and innovations are needed in order that interlinking driver and automobile with the infrastructure can be further optimised. The exchange of information between vehicle and mobile devices, such as MP3 players, smart phones and car keys, is already taking place today. In the near future further forms of communication will become equally established: communication between vehicle and the driver's home or office; communication between vehicle and filling stations, parking spaces and road infrastructure (car-to-X communication); and ultimately also from vehicle to vehicle (car-to-car communication). It will be possible in this way to provide drivers with very prompt information of any hold-ups or obstructions. Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neußer, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for the Development Division, explains: "Connectivity will be a key feature of the car of the future. Many customers are expecting connected vehicles of a new dimension in terms of convenience and road safety. Around the globe, our customers' aspirations will change rapidly, leading to shortened cycles of innovation for systems and functions. In order to be able to meet these challenges it is necessary for us to broaden and expand our options through additional know-how."
